Apr 18 Essential Vietnam Travel Tips: Get The Most Out Of Your Stay

Asia is a magnificent continent that’s home to dozens of the best travel destinations in the world. The majority of people going on gap years will end up in Asia at some point. More often than not, their travels will take them to the little country of Vietnam. Famous for a gruesome war, this country has become one of the best places to travel to. This is largely thanks to the gorgeous scenery, rich history, and immersive cultural experiences on offer.

So, today is all about Vietnam travel tips and advice to help you get the most out of your stay there. If it’s on your itinerary for a gap year, or maybe just a summer of travelling, then here are some ideas to help you out:

Eat As Much Vietnamese Food As Possible

Vietnam is without a doubt one of the best places in the world for mouth-watering food. It serves up some phenomenally tasty treats that will leave your taste buds crying out for more. Vietnamese Pho soup is a must-try - and it’s available for pretty much every meal of the day. It’s also worth trying Vietnamese coffee, which is a drink made out of condensed milk and often served chilled. Don’t ruin your experience by trying to hunt down restaurants that serve traditional western foods, try the local cuisine, and you won’t be disappointed.

Volunteer In A Local Community

Travelling is all about creating experiences and immersing yourself in a different world. For this reason, one of the best things you can do is volunteer in Vietnam. Many of the cities and towns have communities that are looking for volunteers. There are loads of places online that can help set you up for a volunteering role of sorts. From helping on a farm to teaching English abroad in Ho Chi Minh - there are countless opportunities. Not only does this help you engage with the locals and take in Vietnamese culture, but it also helps you see more of the great country that you might have missed.

Learn About The Vietnam War

You can’t go to Vietnam without taking the time to pay your respects and learn more about the great war that plagued this land. Be warned, you will discover a whole know perspective of events that blows your mind wide open. It’s important to do things like this as you never really think how war impacts the other side. There are lots of old memorials around the country, and plenty of unique experiences. The Chu Chi Tunnels are highly recommended as they take you underground through the same trenches that Vietnamese soldiers used during the war. It’s a real eye-opening experience, and certainly something that can’t be missed.

There may only be three things on this list, but they’re great ideas for getting more out of your trip. Of course, include the typical Vietnamese travel things like seeing Saigon and spending some time in Hanoi. But, if you want to take it to another level, include these ideas in your travel plans too.